Military Aircraft Procurement   Accident   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy   Boeing  
Wall Street Journal • Shelby Holliday

US F-15E Downed Over Iran in Operation Epic Fury; Combat SAR Underway; Iran Claims F-35 Loss

A U.S. Air Force F-15E was downed over Iran during Operation Epic Fury after more than 13,000 combat sorties; two crew reportedly ejected and a combat search-and-rescue is underway. Iranian media separately claimed a second U.S. F-35 was struck, with the pilot unlikely to have ejected.

Also: tass.com, ANI News Agency and 3 more
2026-04-03T10:51:19.454508-07:00
Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Boeing  
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FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

USAF Pulls KC‑135 From Boneyard for Possible Reactivation After Tanker Losses in Iran Conflict

By FlightGlobal: The move comes after the loss of multiple KC-135 aerial refuellers as part of the ongoing US-Israeli air war against Iran. The US Air Force has transferred a retired Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker out of long-term storage, possibly with the intent to return the jet to active duty.

2026-04-03T12:15:34.553320-07:00
Accident   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact   Defense Policy  
The Intercept • Nick Turse

Iran Shoots Down U.S. F-15 Fighter Jet Amid Escalating U.S.–Iran Tensions

By The Intercept: Around the same time as Iran shot down the F-15, another U.S. military plane crashed near the Strait of Hormuz.

Also: The Independent
2026-04-03T09:16:15.174965-07:00
Helicopter   Supply Chain   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Asia-Pacific (APAC)  
FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

HAL revenue rises with strong long-term order book

By FlightGlobal: Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has seen annual revenue rise 4.1% to INR323 billion despite continued challenges with its supply chain. Helping the company’s improved performance for the 12 months ended 31 March were deliveries of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, as well as deliveries of two Russian engines it produces locally, the Saturn AL-31FP for the….

2026-04-02T22:31:13.937203-07:00
MRO   L3Harris   North America   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Airbus A330  
FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Canada inks C$1.5 billion sustainment deal for new Airbus tanker fleet support

By FlightGlobal: The contracts with Airbus and L3Harris will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul support to Canada’s planned fleet of nine A330-based refuelling aircraft, which are to begin entering service in 2027.

Also: asdnews.com
2026-04-02T14:00:49.630765-07:00